63 and free

In the 1870s and 80s, up to 5000 people a year were making the rugged trek up from Auckland to see the “8th wonder of the Natural World”: the white terraces (Te Tarata) on the eastern shore of Lake Rotomahana and the pink terraces (Otukapuarangi) on the western shore.

Rugged might be a generous word. There were multiple stages to the trip:

• Sail from Auckland to Tauranga (after sailing in from somewhere else in the world).

• Horse-drawn carriage to the edge of Lake Rotorua.

• Trek through heavy bush by horse and coach to the town of Te Wairoa. Spend the night and pick up a guide.

• Set off by foot for the mile trek to the edge of Lake Tarawera, wearing the heavy clothing of the day, on the paths of the day.

• Two hour trip by whaleboat across the lake to reach the Maori town of Te Ariki and a stream estuary.

• A mile and a half trek to the edge of the original Lake Rotomahana, while the guides pole their way up the stream in the whaleboats.

• Make their way to the terraces.

Why? Because by all accounts the terraces were breathtakingly beautiful, and completely unique in the natural world.

Super-heated mineral waters bubbled (and ‘geysered’) in a pothole at the top before spilling down the shelves, depositing silica as the water cooled. The water in the pools at the base were cool, while the higher terraces contained much hotter pools. The uppermost were much too hot for use.

A few photos exist, from which a model was made.

The White Terraces (Te Tarata):

The Pink Terraces (Otukapuarangi):

It seems the journey was well worth it!

While it was believed that both were obliterated in the 1886 eruptions, apparently part of the white terraces were discovered at a water depth of about 60 metres. We are searching for the documentary re this recent event!